The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service has a long history in delivering wide and varied prevention activities to improve safety and we take pride in the work we do and the difference we can make.
We routinely attend fires within the home and we see the consequences of such incidents. So, while we can fight fires we believe that prevention is key – and we will make every effort to stop them from happening in the first place.
With older people clearly being particularly at risk from fire, we offer a free Home Fire Safety Visit service which could save lives.
These are a cornerstone of our prevention efforts and have contributed to a marked decrease in the number of incidents including those involving fatalities and casualties over the last decade.
Our firefighters will visit your home to identify any hazards. They will also assist in developing an escape plan as well as supply and install smoke detectors for free. Every day we work with partners to identify and support those that are vulnerable to the risk of fire….here is a typical example…
We received a referral for a Home fire safety check from a care worker for a young adult with learning difficulties that was easily distracted during cooking.
Within 24hours a crew from a fire station alongside the care worker made sure the person had a working smoke alarm and that there were no other risks within the property. It was decided that further more specialist advice was required from the Community Action team and other partners. The question was – “if a fire occurred could the person raise the alarm and evacuate the property and if not who could raise the alarm for them?”
Working together with partners involved in their care a community alarm linked fire alarm was fitted alongside a timer on the cooker. This reduced the risk considerably and with a tailored response plan allowed the person to fulfill their wish to live safely by themselves.
The same approach can be used for gas, drug and alcohol dependent people, those with early dementia or mobility concerns, persons that hoard in the home. All this starts with one referral to the SFRS keep someone safe.
We are here to help everyone stay safe within the home but we are particularly keen to support the most vulnerable and elderly within our communities.
That is why we appeal to everyone to check if their elderly relatives, friends or neighbours are in need of this vital support – and to contact us directly.
To register for a Home Fire Safety Visit call the SFRS freephone number: 0800 0731 999, text ‘FIRE’ to 80800, or visit the website at www.firescotland.gov.uk
David Girrity
Prevention & Protection Manager
City of Edinburgh
